Thursday, April 1, 2010

BYOB, Baby!

Since you don't want to spend it all, this is a good time to check out the city's amazing BYOB scene.

For instance, we're pretty psyched about the brand-new brunch at Sabor Saveur in Ukrainian Village.

Bring bottles of bubbly, and they'll supply all the fresh juice mixers as you chow down on French-Mexican-inspired dishes such as Chicharron and Black Beans Crepas served with mushrooms, corn, asparagus and pumpkin flower and Huevos Trufados (poached eggs served over a bed of figs, bacon and black truffle oil topped with Rober sauce).

More BYOBs offering you more bang for your bucks . . .A number of sushi spots around town, including Coast and Butterfly, offer no corkage on BYOB.

THURSDAY

90 Miles Cuban Cafe: All dinner items are under $10 at this lively Cuban corner spot in Logan Square. You get a heaving plate of meat (chicken, shredded beef or roasted pork) accompanied by rice, black beans and sweet plantains. Bring a bottle of rum to pour in the yummy tropical shakes. Flavorful flavors include mango, strawberry, papaya and the signature Guanabana. Patio is open tonight! No corkage fee.

Irazu: Expect this Costa Rican resto's patio to be packed tonight as neighborhood folks come out in droves for piping-hot plates of traditional dishes like the Casado, made with rib eye steak, chicken breast or tilapia served with rice, black beans, sweet plantains and an over easy egg. It's cash only and no corkage fee. Wine shop Red & White is directly across the street.

Kanok: Those with big appetites will appreciate this Lakeview sushi joint offering an all-you-can-eat deal Monday through Thursday. It includes appetizers (chicken satay, miso soup), nigiri sushi and maki rolls such as spicy tuna, spicy shrimp and white fish tempura. $22 per person; everyone in party must order special. No corkage fee.

FRIDAY

Birchwood Kitchen: The sandwich-heavy menu includes faves like the meatloaf with gooey aged Cheddar and tomato jam; sweet and sour pork belly with cilantro and pickled onions; and the cave-aged Gruyère with caramelized onion and Dijon mustard. No corkage fee.

Gilt Bar: Half hipster-half yuppie destination—with a Johnny Cash soundtrack to boot—the share-able menu is all American. Also, even though they have a full-service bar, you're allowed to BYOB. No corkage fee if you share a taste with table next to you.

Gilt Bar offers no corkage fee for guests who share a taste with the next table. (Photo: Natasha Hernandez)

SATURDAY

TESA Cigar Co.: Bring your scotch and whiskey to go along with your cigars at this hidden lounge, which we hear gets some pretty rockin' celebs. No corkage fee.

Terragusto: Do a family-style, four-course menu at this contemporary Italian spot in Roscoe Village. It's $37.50 for each person for a choice of appetizer, pasta, meat entree and dessert. Must be ordered by the entire table and corkage is $10 per bottle.

SUNDAY

Cuatro: The Latin-inspired resto in the South Loop recently lost its liquor license, but you can use that to your advantage during the Bossa Nova Brunch. Bring your own bubbly or rum to mix with their fresh juices that should go well with savory dishes like the Eggs Rancheros or slow-roasted pork empanadas.

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The Dish:

Audarshia Townsend's introduction to the online world began as one of the first two editors at metromix.com--where they set the tone for the entertainment site's cutting-edge style. She also has written lifestyle features for the Chicago Tribune, Essence, Los Angeles Times, Michigan Avenue, about.com, playboy.com, Huffington Post, DiningChicago.com, World's Best Bars and Upscale magazine. Additionally, she has appeared regularly on CLTV, WGN-TV and WCIU-TV's "You & Me This Morning" for cocktail-, dining- and nightlife-related features. In 2007, Audarshia launched 312DiningDiva.com, a daily dining-and-drinking blog keeping readers up to date on Chicago happenings. Her interests include staying fit with a regular Forrest Yoga practice, cycling in the city, and Flywheel Chicago classes.